The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed a notable veteran signal-caller with Trevor Lawrence’s Week 17 status unclear.
Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Jaguars are signing journeyman quarterback Matt Barkley to their active roster. The Philadelphia Eagles’ 2013 fourth-round pick (98th overall) was previously on the New York Giants’ practice squad.
Lawrence suffered a right shoulder sprain in the Jaguars’ blowout Week 16 road loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Christmas Day. It remains to be seen if he’ll play in Sunday’s pivotal Week 17 clash against football’s worst team, the 2-13 Carolina Panthers.
The 2021 first overall pick has dealt with numerous injuries this year, including a knee injury, a high ankle sprain and a concussion. Lawrence initially looked like a longshot to play against Tampa Bay, but he was cleared out of concussion protocol on Saturday.
Lawrence had a tough outing against the Buccaneers, completing 17 of 29 pass attempts for 211 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions while taking three sacks. Second-stringer C.J. Beathard fared better in relief of Lawrence, completing 11 of 15 pass attempts for 94 yards, one touchdown and no picks.
Jacksonville has lost four straight games, but they still control their own destiny for the AFC South division crown. After hosting the Panthers on Sunday, the Jaguars will conclude the regular season against the AFC South rival Tennessee Titans.
